Caller control of internet call waiting

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing Caller Control of Internet Call Waiting (ICW) Services. In an embodiment, a calling party places an incoming call to a called telephone number having an active ICW session and data connection. The calling party may enter an authorized code that authorizes interruption or disabling of ICW and the data connection. The interrupt code entered by the calling party is received in a telecommunications network, such as, for example the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a mobile switching network. The telecommunications network verifies that the interrupt code to enable caller control, and, thereafter, disables or interrupts the ICW session and data connection to connect the incoming call.

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application relates to applicants' co-pending applicationentitled “Internet Call Waiting Messaging,” (Attorney Docket02-BS004/BS02099) filed simultaneously herewith and of which the “BriefSummary of the Invention” and “Detailed Description of the Invention”sections are incorporated herein by this reference.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and itsfigures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates generally to the field of communications.More particularly, this invention relates to special servicesimplemented over a telecommunications network that enable a callingparty to interrupt or cancel an Internet Call Waiting (ICW) session.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Telecommunications has experienced explosive growth, and moregrowth is planned as telecommunication access and numerous communicationdevices improve. This explosive growth is revolutionizing specialservices offered to subscribing customers. Of the special serviceofferings, the most relevant to this invention is the ICW service. Auser of a personal computer (PC) or other Internet Protocol (IP)addressable communications devices with an active ICW session is able toreceive information about incoming calls from a calling telephone numberwithout interrupting an active data connection between the PC and a datanetwork, such as the World Wide Web, an Internet, an Intranet, or anExtranet. Presently available ICW systems provide the calling telephonenumber, a billing name associated with the calling telephone number, andcall handling options. Presently available ICW systems provide thecalling telephone number, a billing name associated with the callingtelephone number (if available), and call handling options. Callhandling options typically include disabling the ICW session and dataconnection to answer the call, putting the call on hold and presenting amessage to a calling party that a called party is aware of the call andwill answer the incoming call shortly, routing the call to a voicemailbox associated with the called telephone number, ignoring the call,and forwarding the call to another telephone number. These options arepresented to the user in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that appearsas a pop-up screen with separate command buttons. The user clicks on adesired call handling command button on the screen for the ICW PCsoftware application and the selected option is transmitted to thetelecommunications network over the Internet. The telecommunicationsnetwork then processes the call according to the selected handlingoption.

[0007] Most subscribers of ICW services rely on a single telephone lineto make voice calls and to access a data network. When the telephoneline is utilized for a data connection (e.g., via modem), an ICW sessionis often automatically activated by a dialing software, which dials anappropriate prefix code for activating ICW before dialing the telephonenumber to establish the link with the data network. For example, auser's communications device may dial a telephone number of an InternetService Provider (ISP) for access to the world wide web including anInternet, Intranet, Extranet, or other data network. Given that there isonly one telephone line and ICW has been activated, the user of theconnected PC controls whether incoming calls are answered or not. Thatis, if the user is notified of the incoming call, then the user maychoose to not answer the call and maintain an on-line session via thedata connection. Consequently, the calling party cannot interrupt ordisable ICW and the data connection to force the user to answer theincoming call. For example, a parent seeking to call his/her own homenumber may hear ringing, but no answer, as a consequence of a child'sfailure to associate the calling telephone number with his/her parentand the child's unwillingness to interrupt or terminate an Internetgaming session and answer the incoming call. Consequently, the parent isunable to reach a party at his/her home.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that allow acalling party to interrupt or disable ICW and the data connection sothat the incoming call can be received. Further, there is a need tonotify the user of a communications device engaged in the on-linesession with a message that the ICW and the data connection may beinterrupted or disabled to allow the incoming call to be connected.Finally, there is a need to provide various authorization levels tocontrol the interruption or disabling of ICW and the data connection.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This invention addresses the above needs by providing a telephonynetwork-based solution that allows a calling party to interrupt ordisable an ICW session and a data connection (also referred to as anon-line session) of an IP addressable communications device (hereinafterreferred to as an “IP communications device”) at a called telephonenumber so that an incoming call can be connected. As used herein, theterm IP communications device includes a wireless phone, a cellularphone, a satellite phone, a computer, a modem, an audio pager, apersonal digital assistant, a WAP phone, a digital signal processor, aglobal positioning system transceiver, an interactive television, an MP3player, and other IP addressable communications devices capable ofdelivering audio, video, and/or data communications. In a preferredembodiment, the IP communications device includes a personal computer(PC) system (also referred to herein as computer system).

[0010] In an embodiment, the calling party places an incoming call to acalled telephone number that has activated the ICW service andestablished the data connection. The calling party enters an interruptcode that authorizes interruption or disabling of ICW and the dataconnection to the called telephone number. The interrupt code entered bythe calling party is received in a telecommunications network, such as,for example the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a mobileswitching network, and other networks providing telecommunicationsservices. The telecommunications network determines whether the enteredinterrupt code is associated with the called telephone number to verifyauthorization to interrupt or disable ICW and the data connection. Afterverification, the ICW service and the on-line session (e.g., aninteractive gaming session) of the data connection may be interrupted ordisabled so that the incoming call can be connected. Further, thetelecommunications network or the data network may send a notificationmessage to the computer system of the called telephone number to notifya user that the ICW session and the data connection are about to beinterrupted and/or disabled.

[0011] In an embodiment, the interrupt code may be assigned differentlevels of authority for interrupting ICW and the data connection.Similarly, in another embodiment, the interrupt code may be assigneddifferent levels of authority for disabling ICW and the data connection.For example, Calling Party Mom (i.e., a calling party that is a mother)may have an interrupt code that always allows interruption or disablingof the ICW and data connection (i.e., no authorization from userrequired). However, Calling Party Child (i.e., a calling party that is achild) may have an interrupt code that sends the notification messagethat Calling Party Child is trying to place an incoming call and promptsthe user of the computer system to accept or to enter an authorizationcode in order to interrupt or to disable ICW and/or the data connection.If the user of the communications device does not accept or enter theauthorization code or if the user fails to respond to the verificationprompt within a selected period of time, then the telecommunicationsnetwork may default to interrupt or to disable ICW and/or the dataconnection.

[0012] In another embodiment, the telecommunications network allows thecalling party to interrupt the ICW service and connects the incomingcall. The incoming call may be connected by temporarily interrupting orpausing an interactive on-line session via the data connection androuting the incoming call to the computer system over-the dataconnection (e.g., an IP call). In an alternate embodiment, the incomingcall may be connected by disabling or disconnecting the data connectionand routing the incoming call to the called telephone number (e.g., to atelephone at the called telephone number). In this alternate embodiment,the telecommunications network may prevent the called telephone numberfrom trying to re-establish the data connection and/or from placing anoutgoing call until the incoming call is routed, received, and/oranswered via the called telephone number.

[0013] Another embodiment describes an apparatus that generates orotherwise transforms the notification message routed to the computersystem to an audible and/or visual announcement that can be presented bythe computer system. The apparatus includes a network port, a memorydevice, and a digital signal processor. The network port receives thenotification message from the telephone network. The memory devicestores a selection of announcement formats to accompany the notificationmessage. The digital signal processor communicates with the memorydevice and selects an announcement format based upon informationcontained within the notification message. The information containedwithin the notification message could also be associated with networkinformation provided by the telecommunications system. After theannouncement format is selected and retrieved from the memory device,the apparatus could also include a system that presents and/or plays thenotification message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and other embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, andnovel features of this invention are more clearly understood byreference to the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying figures, wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing of the ICW Management Modulethat resides in a computer system according to an embodiment of thisinvention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a schematic of a telecommunications system showing acomputer system engaged in an ICW session and a data connectionaccording to an embodiment of this invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a schematic of an incoming call to thetelecommunications system shown in FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a schematic of a disable notification message generatedby Caller Control of ICW Services or by an ICW Services Profile sent tothe computer system of FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a schematic showing user authorization to disable theICW session and the active data connection as shown in thetelecommunications system of FIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a schematic of a telecommunications system showing agateway of a data network communicating with the computer system engagedin the ICW session and the data connection according to an embodiment ofthis invention;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a schematic of a disable notification message generatedby Caller Control of ICW Services or by an ICW Services Profile sent bya gateway of the telecommunications system shown in FIG. 6;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a schematic showing user authorization to disable theICW session and the active data connection as shown in thetelecommunications system of FIG. 6;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a schematic of a telecommunications system illustratinga notification message generated by Caller Control of ICW Services or byan ICW Services Profile for alternative IP communications devicesengaged in the ICW session and data connection according to anembodiment of this invention;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus thatgenerates or otherwise transforms the notification message to an audibleand/or visual announcement that can be presented by the computer systemaccording to an embodiment of invention; and

[0025] FIGS. 11-13 are flowcharts illustrating several Caller Control ofICW Service methods available to an authorized calling party over thetelecommunications system architect of FIGS. 3-8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey thescope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover,all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents as well asequivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed thatperform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0027] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the schematics, flowcharts, block diagrams, andthe like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systemsand methods embodying this invention. The functions of the variouselements shown in the figures may be provided through the use ofdedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associatedsoftware. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptualonly. Their function may be carried out through the operation of programlogic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of programcontrol and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular techniquebeing selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those ofordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplaryhardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systemsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are notintended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer.

[0028] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showingan ICW Management Module 110 residing in a computer system 100. The ICWManagement Module 110 operates within a system memory device. The ICWManagement Module 110, for example, is shown residing in a memorysubsystem 112. The ICW Management Module 110, however, could also residein flash memory 114 or peripheral storage device 116. The computersystem 100 also has one or more central processors 120 executing anoperating system. The operating system, as is well known, has a set ofinstructions that control the internal functions of the computer system100. A system bus 122 communicates signals, such as data signals,control signals, and address signals, between the central processor anda system controller 34 (typically called a “Northbridge”). The systemcontroller provides a bridging function between the one or more centralprocessors 120, a graphics subsystem 126, the memory subsystem 112, anda PCI (Peripheral Controller Interface) bus 128. The PCI bus 128 iscontrolled by a Peripheral Bus Controller 130. The Peripheral BusController 130 (typically called a “Southbridge”) is an integratedcircuit that serves as an input/output hub for various peripheral ports.These peripheral ports could include, for example, a keyboard port 132,a mouse port 134, a serial port 136 and/or a parallel port 138 for avideo display unit, one or more external device ports 140, andnetworking ports 142(such as SCSI or Ethernet). The Peripheral BusController 130 could also include an audio subsystem 144.

[0029] The processor 710 is typically a microprocessor. Advanced MicroDevices, Inc., for example, manufactures a full line of ATHLON™microprocessors (ATHLON™ is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.,One AMD Place, P.O. Box 3453, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94088-3453,408.732.2400, 800.5128.8450, www.amd.com). The Intel Corporation alsomanufactures a family of X86 and P86 microprocessors (Intel Corporation,2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, Calif. 95052-8119,408.765.8080, www.intel.com). Other manufacturers also offermicroprocessors. Such other manufacturers include Motorola, Inc. (1303East Algonquin Road, P.O. Box A3309 Schaumburg, Ill. 60196,www.Motorola.com), International Business Machines Corp. (New OrchardRoad, Armonk, N.Y. 10504, (914) 499-1900, www.ibm.com), and TransmetaCorp. (3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, Calif. 95054,www.transmeta.com).

[0030] The preferred operating system is WINDOWS® (WINDOWS® is aregistered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way,Redmond Wash. 98052-6399, 425.882.8080, www.Microsoft.com). Otheroperating systems, however, are also suitable. Such other operatingsystems would include the UNIX® operating system (UNIX® is a registeredtrademark of the Open Source Group, www.oipensource.org), the UNIX-basedLinux operating system, WINDOWS NT®, and Mac® OS (Mac® is a registeredtrademark of Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif.95014, 408.996.1010, www.apple.com).

[0031] The system memory device (shown as memory subsystem 112, flashmemory 114, or peripheral storage device 116) may also contain anapplication program. The application program cooperates with theoperating system and with a video display unit (via the serial port 136and/or the parallel port 138) to provide a GUI for the ICW ManagementModule 110. The GUI typically includes a combination of signalscommunicated along the keyboard port 132 and the mouse port 134. The GUIprovides a convenient visual and/or audible interface with the customeror user of the computer system 100. As is apparent to those skilled inthe art, the selection and arrangement of the ICW Management Module 110to manage caller control of an Internet Call Waiting (ICW) session and adata connection (hereinafter referred to as “Caller Control of ICWServices”) may be programmed over a variety of alternate mediums, suchas, for example, a voice-activated menu prompt, an interactive sessionwith an telecommunications network administrator, and the like.

[0032] The ICW Management Module 110 allows a user to manage ICWservices, such as (1) allowing the user to customize presentation andfeatures of a disable notification message, an interruption notificationmessage, and/or an authorization message and (2) allowing the user tocontrol how the data connection is interrupted. For example, the usermay select a desired presentation format presented by computer system100 or an alternate IP communications device servicing a calledtelephone number (or to a Service Node address). The desiredpresentation format may be based upon information associated with an ICWServices Profile 255, a name associated with the calling telephonenumber, a time of day, a date identifier (e.g., day of week, calendardate, etc.), other information associated with the ICLID signal, lengthand/or duration of a disable notification message, an interruptnotification message and/or an authorization message, display of GUI(e.g., color, font, placement of ICW Management Module on displaydevice, etc.), etc. The ICW Management Module 110 also allows the userto control how the data connection is interrupted, paused, and/orsuspended (if ICW and data connection are not canceled). Since theCaller Control of ICW Services makes use of TCP/IP or other similartechnology, an on-line session of the data connection (e.g., checkinge-mail, playing a game, reading an article, etc.) may be suspended orinterrupted while the incoming call is communicated and/or responded to.For example, if the user was reading an on-line article when theincoming call was received, the user could answer the incoming call, andthen, after hanging-up, the user could return to reading the articleafter the incoming call was terminated. In an embodiment, theinterruption control of the ICW Management Module functions to provide abook-marking feature and/or otherwise remembers the web address.Further, the interruption control of ICW Management Module may also saveinformation input by the user, so that-the user does not data or otherinformation input by the user. Thus, the ICW Management Module providesa convenient and user-friendly interface that allows the customer and/oruser to manage Caller Control of ICW services and to integrate telephonyevents with data network events.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the ICW Management Module 110operating within a telecommunications system 200 for implementing CallerControl of ICW Services according to an embodiment of this invention.The telecommunications system 200 includes the computer system 100, theICW Management Module 110 (including the IP address associated with theICW session and data connection) residing within computer system 100, aPOTS telephone 220, a modem 230, a telecommunications switch 235, aPublic Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 245 including a serviceswitching point (SSP) 240, an Internet Call Waiting (ICW) DataServer 250including a database of ICW Services Profiles 252 and a Profile 255, aservice control point (SCP) 260, and an Intranet 265, an InternetService Provider (e.g., America On-Line) 270, and a data network 275.

[0034] Typically, a subscribing customer (i.e., a customer of the CallerControl of ICW Service) or a user at the customer's premises has accessto the computer system 100 and/or the telephone 220. For example, if auser wishes to call a particular telephone number, the user may usetelephone 220 to dial the telephone number and establish a voiceconnection. If, however, the user wishes to send, receive, or accessvoice, video, and/or data (e.g., read and respond to e-mail, orderproducts, view video-clips, listen to music, engage in an interactivegaming session, etc.), then modem 230 allows the computer system 100 toaccess the data network 275 via the PSTN 245. To facilitate the dataconnection through modem 230 and Internet Service Provider (ISP) 170,the PC 130 typically uses Internet browsing software (or otherappropriate software to manage the data connection), such as, forexample, MICROSOFT EXPLORER® or NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR®.

[0035] Whether the user is attempting to make a voice connection or adata connection, each telephone number dialed from the customer'spremises is sent to the PSTN 245 via switch 235. Thereafter, the PSTN245 connects the outgoing call to a dialed telephone number (or toanother Service Node address) to establish the voice connection (notshown) or to the ISP 270 to establish the connection with the datanetwork 275. Communications signals sent from the customer's premisesarrive at SSP 240 that analyzes the signals and determines routing ofthe outgoing call. Depending on the dialed telephone number, the SSP mayroute the outgoing call immediately over the PSTN 245 to attempt aconnection or the SSP may communicate with SCP 260 for further callprocessing and routing information. Further, the PSTN 245 may includeprivate network elements, such as private branch exchanges (PBXS) and/orother elements. The PSTN 245 includes Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)componentry controlling many features of the network. The PSTN 245 orswitch 235 could also include a packet-based “soft switch” that usessoftware control to provide voice, video, and/or data services bydynamically changing its connection data rates and protocols types. Ifthe PSTN 245 or switch 235 should include a softswitch, the AINcomponentry is replaced by an application server that interfaces withthe softswitch via a packet protocol, such as Session InitiationProtocol (SIP). The signaling between the computer system 100, theswitch 235, the PSTN 245 including AIN componentry, and the data network275, however, are well understood in by those of ordinary skill the artand will not be further described. Further, those of ordinary skill inthe art will be able to apply the principles of this invention to theirown network configurations which may differ substantially from thetelecommunications system shown in the figures.

[0036] ICW DataServer 250 communicates with SCP 260 and Intranet 265 toeffectively provide ICW services to users of the PSTN 245 so that ICWcan be activated, de-activated, administered by the telecommunicationsprovider, and controlled or managed by the subscribing customer, user,or other entity with authorization. Thus, ICW DataServer 250 functionsas a computer server and database dedicated to managing ICW servicesover data network 275 and PSTN 245. ICW DataServer 250 communicates withthe data network 275 using standard transmission control protocol andInternet protocol (TCP/IP). Further, the ICW Management Module 110, maybe downloaded from ISP 270, ICW DataServer 250, Intranet 265, orprovided on a storage media (e.g., diskette, CD-ROM, or installed by thecomputer system manufacturer) to a subscribing customer or user toinstall on the computer system 100 to enable, disable, and furthercontrol a variety of the ICW services (e.g., providing call handlingoptions, such as routing an incoming call to voicemail, for incomingcalls during the ICW session and data connection), including CallerControl of ICW Services.

[0037] In an embodiment, the ICW Management Module 110 is used toestablish a Caller Control of ICW Services Profile. The ICW DataServer250 stores a database of Caller Control of ICW Services Profiles 252.The customer interacts with the ICW Management Module 110 and withIntranet 265 to access and login to the ICW DataServer 250 and toestablish a profile in the database of Caller Control of ICW ServicesProfiles 252. The Caller Control of ICW Service Profile 255 couldcontain a variety of fields and/or files associated with at least one ofthe following: an authorized calling party's telephone number (e.g., atelephone number associated with a cellular phone of a parent or acustomer, etc.), the customer's ISP login information, ISP password, astatic IP address (if applicable), preferences for interrupting ordisabling (e.g., always automatically disable ICW and data connection,always automatically interrupt ICW and data connection, prompt callerfor selection to interrupt or disable, etc.), preferences for sending anotification message to the computer system 100 prior to interrupting ordisabling (e.g., always send notification message prior to disabling,never send notification message prior to interrupting, prompt caller forselection of notification message, etc.), and preferences for requestingan authorization code back from a user of the computer system 100 priorto interrupting or disabling (e.g., always prompt user forauthorization, only prompt user for authorization if calling party wantsto disable, etc.).

[0038]FIG. 3 illustrates a telecommunications system 300 with anincoming call from a cellular phone 310 that is transmitted to anantenna (not shown) and then coupled to a mobile telecommunicationsswitch 320 and to the PSTN 245. Typically, the incoming call is placedby an authorized caller (e.g., subscribing customer or other entityregistered with local telecommunications provider to control ICWservices). The incoming call to the called telephone number isassociated with the computer system 100 and the telephone 220. Because,however, a data connection is already established between the computersystem 100 and the data network 275, in an embodiment, the PSTN 245routes an active ICW session announcement to the cellular phone 310.This ICW session announcement alerts the calling party that the calledtelephone number has an active data connection. For example, the ICWsession announcement might be an audible communication capable of beingplayed over the cellular phone 310 and communicate that “The party youare calling has activated Internet Call Waiting and has established adata connection. Press 1 if you have an authorization code to interruptor disconnect the Internet Call Waiting session and data connection . .. ” Alternatively, the announcement may be presented in a format thatutilizes voice, video, and/or data to the cellular phone 310 used by thecalling party. In another embodiment, the calling party places anincoming call to the called telephone number, but the calling party isnot actually notified that the called telephone number has an active ICWand data connection. Rather, the calling party hears a continuedringing, is placed into voicemail, is forwarded to another number, hearsa message that the called number is not accepting calls, or is handledaccording to other call handling options available through the ICWservice.

[0039] In both embodiments described above (e.g., calling party notifiedor not notified of ICW and data connection), the calling party may enteran interrupt code that authorizes disabling of ICW and the dataconnection. The entered authorization code is communicated from cellularphone 310 via switch 320 to PSTN 245. The ICW DataServer 250 verifiesthe entered authorization code. For example, the ICW DataServer 250might look up a database of telephone numbers that subscribe to theCaller Control of ICW services. If the called telephone number matches atelephone number in the database, then the ICW DataServer 250 mightfurther query the database to determine if the entered authorizationcode is associated with the called telephone number. If there is amatch, then the ICW DataServer 250 would verify the enteredauthorization code and could then further associate the applicableCaller Control of ICW Services Profile 255.

[0040]FIG. 4 illustrates a telecommunications system 400 similar to thetelecommunications system disclosed in FIG. 3. Telecommunications system400 includes an IP address query of the ICW Management Module 110 and adisable notification message 410. Some Internet Service Providers assigna “static” IP address to a customer's account, whereas other InternetService Providers dynamically change a customer's IP address. A staticIP address is permanently assigned to the customer, while a dynamic IPaddress may change with each login or may dynamically change during asession. PSTN 245 queries the ICW Management Module 110 for dynamic IPaddressing so that the disable notification message 410 can be sent tocomputer system 100 through the telecommunications network 245.Alternatively, the IP address query could be sent from PSTN 245, routedover data network 275, and to an ISP IP address map (shown as ref. 930in FIG. 9) assigned to the computer system. Regardless of how the IPaddress is accessed, the IP address is returned and communicated to theICW DataServer 250 of the PSTN 245 so that switch 235 can communicatethe disable notification message 410 to the computer system 100 via theIP address of the called telephone number. The disable notificationmessage 410 may be communicated to the computer system 100 using anaudio format, text format, video format, and combinations thereof.

[0041] The authorized calling party enters a verified authorization codeto disable ICW and the data connection. In this embodiment, the callingparty or the associated Caller Control of ICW Services Profile 255associates the disable notification message 410 and sends a signal toswitch 235. Switch 235 provides intelligence that the computer system100 should be sent the disable notification message 410 prior todisabling. For example, a calling party may choose to send a disablenotification message 410 so that the user is alerted of the urgency ofthe incoming call and doesn't mistakenly believe that the dataconnection has been disconnected due to a transmission error, delay overthe data connection, problems at the ISP 270, software errors, or thelike. Thus, the user is aware of the incoming call and doesn't try tore-establish the connection with the ISP 270.

[0042] After the disable notification message 410 is sent, the PSTN 245disables, disconnects, or otherwise cancels the connection with thecomputer system 100. Typically, the ICW Management Module 110 sends asignal to the PSTN 245 that disables, disconnects, or otherwise cancelsthe connection; however, PSTN 245 may be triggered to disable,disconnect, or otherwise cancel the connection by the Caller Control ofICW Services Profile 252 or alternate intelligence. After the connectionis disabled, the incoming call is routed to the called telephone numberassociated with the telephone 220 via switch 235. In an embodiment, whenthe PSTN 245 disables, disconnects, or otherwise cancels the connectionwith the computer system 100, switch 235 may also send a communicationssignal that prevents a user from trying to re-establish the dataconnection and/or from placing an outgoing call until the incoming callis routed, received, and/or answered via the called telephone number.For example, this prevention may be initiated by modem 230 acting aloneor with the ICW Management Module 110 to prevent the computer system 100from establishing a data connection substantially immediately afterreceiving a disabling command from Caller Control of ICW Services sothat the caller control of the incoming call is more likely brought tothe user's attention. Further, this prevention may last for a prescribedperiod of time so that the incoming call can be connected to thetelephone 220. For example, the prescribed period of time should belonger than four seconds if the ringing cycle is one second of ringingfollowed by three seconds of no ringing. After the prescribed period oftime has passed, the modem and/or the ICW Management Module 110 could bereset to allow the user to re-establish the data connection.

[0043]FIG. 5 illustrates a telecommunications system 500 similar to thetelecommunications system disclosed in FIG. 4. In particular,telecommunications system 500 includes an authorization response 510from the user of computer system 100 prior to disabling ICW and the dataconnection. The authorization response 510 might be most useful whendifferent levels of authority for disabling ICW and the data connectionare associated with the interrupt code. For example, Calling Party Mommay have an interrupt code that always allows disabling of the ICW anddata connection. However, Calling Party Child may have an interrupt codethat sends the disable notification message 410 to computer system 100identifying that Calling Party Child is trying to place an incomingcall. The disable notification message 410 prompts the user of computersystem 100 to accept or to enter an authorization code in order todisable ICW and the data connection. If the user of the computer system100 does not accept or enter the authorization response or if the userfails to respond to the authorization prompt within a selected period oftime, then the PSTN 245 may default to disable ICW and the dataconnection. The PSTN 245 could, alternatively, default and not disablethe data connection when the user fails to respond to the authorizationprompt.

[0044] In addition to disabling ICW and the data connection as describedabove with reference to the telecommunications systems in FIGS. 3-5,this invention also allows the calling party to interrupt or suspend ICWand the data connection so that the incoming call can be connected(e.g., the incoming call is routed to an IP address associated withcomputer system 100). As shown in FIG. 6, telecommunications system 600routes an incoming call to an IP address of computer system 100 via agateway 610 communicating with the data network 275. The gateway 610transmits a communications signal of the incoming call that utilizes theTCP/IP connection of the data network 275 with the computer system 100so that the incoming call can be broadcast (i.e., presented via voice,video, and/or data communications) over the computer system 100.Consequently, the ICW feature that typically cancels call waiting duringa data connection to prevent the incoming call from being routed overthe PSTN 245 to the computer system 100 is ignored so that the incomingcall utilizes the data connection between the computer system 100 andthe data network 275 to establish communications between the callingparty using cellular phone 310 and the user using computer system 100.Since the incoming call makes use of TCP/IP or other similar technology,an on-line session of the data connection (e.g., checking e-mail,playing a game, reading an article, etc.) may be suspended orinterrupted while the incoming call is connected and answered. Forexample, if the user was reading an on-line article when the incomingcall was received, the user could answer the incoming call, and then,after hanging-up, the user could return to reading the article after theincoming call was terminated. In an embodiment, the interruption controlof the ICW service (via the ICW Management Module 110) functions toprovide a book-marking feature and/or otherwise remembers the webaddress. Further, the interruption control of ICW may also saveinformation input by the user, so that the user does not data or otherinformation input by the user.

[0045]FIG. 7 illustrates a telecommunications system 700 including aninterrupt notification message 710 similar to the disable notificationmessage 410 communicated in the telecommunications system of FIG. 4. Theinterrupt notification message 710 alerts the user of computer system100 that an incoming call is about to be routed and connected to thecomputer system 100. The interrupt notification message 710 may alsoalert the user of computer system 100 that any on-line sessions willautomatically be suspended or interrupted. Further, the interruptnotification message 710 may allow the user to terminate or close-downan on-line session prior to routing and connecting the incomingcommunication. Interrupt notification message 710 may be communicated tothe computer system 100 using an audio format, text format, videoformat, and/or combinations thereof

[0046]FIG. 8 illustrates a telecommunications system 800 including anauthorization response 810 from the user of computer system 100 prior tointerrupting ICW and the data connection. Authorization response 810operates similar to authorization response 510 (as shown in FIG. 5) suchthat it allows the user of computer system 100 to authorize theinterruption of the on-line session. If the user of the computer system100 does not accept or enter the authorization response 810 or if theuser fails to respond to the authorization prompt within a selectedperiod of time, then the PSTN 245 may default to interrupt ICW and thedata connection. If the user fails to respond to the authorizationprompt, then the PSTN 245 could alternatively default and not interruptICW and the data connection.

[0047] While FIGS. 2-8 specifically show computer system 100 connectedto the PSTN, any communications device having Internet Protocol (IP)addressing capabilities to service a called telephone number (or aService Node address or the like) may be used, including, for example, awireless phone, a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a computer, amodem, an audio pager, a personal digital assistant, a digital signalprocessor, a global positioning system transceiver, and an interactivetelevision. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a telecommunications system900 having alternate IP communications devices 910, including a personaldigital assistant (PDA) 902, an IP cellular phone 904, a modem 906, aninteractive pager 908, an MP3 912, a global positioning systemtransceiver 914, an interactive television 916, and a digital signalprocessor 918, an IP address query 920, ISP IP address map 930, a searchresult with the IP address 940, a Selection of Notification messagepresentation 950, and at least one ICW message 960. A query that is madefor dynamic IP addressing so that a notification message (e.g., adisable notification message and/or an interrupt message) can be sent toat least one of the alternate communications devices 910 through thetelecommunications network 245. The IP address query 920 is sent fromPSTN 245 (typically, via the ICW DataServer 250), routed over the datanetwork 275, and to an ISP IP address map 930 serving the computersystem 100. The IP address query 920 requests the IP address assigned tothe alternate IP communications device 910. The. IP address, forexample, could be mapped to the ISP login information. If the ISP logininformation contained within the Caller Control of ICW Services Profile255 matches the ISP's login information, then the PSTN 245 could haveaccess to the ISP IP address map 930. Regardless of how the IP addressis accessed, the IP address is returned and communicated to the ICWDataServer 250 of the PSTN 245 so that switch 235 can communicate atleast one notification message(s) 960 to the alternate IP communicationsdevice 910 via the IP address of the called telephone number.Notification message 960 may be communicated to the alternate IPcommunications device 910 using an audio format, text format, videoformat, and combinations thereof. The Selection of ICW NotificationMessage Presentation 950 provides fields and/or files that appropriatelyformat the notification message 960 for presentation on the alternate IPcommunications device 910. Thus, the Selection of ICW NotificationMessage Presentation 950 has the intelligence to associate thepresentation capabilities of the alternate IP communications device 910.

[0048]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an apparatus 1000 embodying thisinvention. This apparatus generates a notification message presentationfor a notification message(s) 1040 (e.g., a disable notificationmessage, an interrupt notification message, and/or an authorizationmessage) to a called telephone number serviced or coupled with thecomputer system 100. The apparatus includes the ICW Management Module110 operating within a memory device of a digital signal processor 1010.The memory device could include internal memory 1012 of the digitalsignal processor, or the memory device could include an external memory1014 communicating with the digital signal processor 1010. The digitalsignal processor 1010 converts analog signals to digital signals andconverts digital signals to analog signals. The digital signal processor1010 could include compression and decompression algorithms,cancellation algorithms, audio-processing circuitry, filter circuitry,and amplifier circuitry. Although digital signal processors can bedesigned to provide differing capabilities and a variety of performancecriteria, the basic functions of the digital signal processor are knownand, thus, will not be further discussed.

[0049] The digital signal processor 1010 interfaces with an input/outputprocessor 1016. The input/output processor 1016 controls systeminput/output and provides telephony-like control features. A bus 1018provides a signal communication path between the digital signalprocessor 1010 and the input/output processor 1016. The input/outputprocessor 1016 is a microprocessor that includes memory (not shown),communication controllers (not shown), and peripheral controllers (notshown). The communication controllers, for example, could controlpacket-based communications with a data network (shown as referencenumeral 275 in FIGS. 2-9) through a network port 1020. The communicationcontrollers could also control packet-based communications with atelecommunications switch (shown as reference numeral 235 in FIGS. 2-9)through the network port. The peripheral controllers provide aninterface with an LCD/LED/CRT display 1022 and with telephony-likecontrol features, such as a keypad 1024. A clock source 1026 provides asystem clock for the apparatus 1000, and the clock source 1026 may alsoinclude higher and lower frequency multiples of the system clockdepending upon power requirements and power availability. A powermanagement system 1028 provides differing power control mechanisms, suchas a sleep mode and a low-power mode, to efficiently utilize availablepower and to reduce thermal management concerns.

[0050] The apparatus 1000 generates the notification messagepresentation for the notification message 1040. If, for example, theapparatus 1000 communicates with the telecommunications switch (shown asreference numeral 235 in FIGS. 2-9), the ICW Management Module 110causes the apparatus 1000 to visually or audibly alert a nearby customeror user of the notification message 1040. The network port 1020 receivesthe notification message 1040 via a communications link to thetelecommunications switch (shown as reference numeral 235 in FIGS. 2-9).The notification message 1040 may include information associated with aCaller Control of ICW Services Profile (shown as reference numeral 255in FIGS. 2-9). When the notification message 1040 is received, thedigital signal processor 1010 interfaces with the ICW Management Module110 and with the internal memory 1012 and/or the external memory 1014.The ICW Management Module 110 instructs the digital signal processor1010 to retrieve the selected notification message presentation formatfrom a Selection of Notification Message Presentations 1032 stored inthe memory device. Alternatively, the notification message presentationformat may be stored in the telecommunications network (shown inreference numeral 245 in FIGS. 2-9) or in the data network (shown asreference numeral 275 in FIGS. 2-9). The presentation format is thenselected based upon the information contained within the ICW ManagementModule 110 and/or the Caller Control of ICW Services Profile 255 aspreviously discussed.

[0051] Once the presentation format is selected, the apparatus 1000generates the notification message 1040. The digital signal processor1010 interfaces with a Notification Message Generator System 1034. The.Notification Message Generator System 1034 executes the selectedpresentation format, populates associated fields and/or files, andpresents the notification message 1040. The digital signal processor1000 and the Notification Message Generator System 1034 interface withan external speaker/microphone (mic) system 1036 and/or with a visualdisplay device 1022 to audibly and/or visually present the notificationmessage 1040.

[0052] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a flowchart showing an overview of aprocess for Caller Control of ICW Services according to an embodiment ofthis invention. A customer or user activates ICW and connects to a datanetwork (block 1100). A telecommunications network (TN) detects anincoming communications signal to a called telephone number having anactive ICW session and data connection (block 1110). Thetelecommunications network notifies the calling party that the calledtelephone number has an active ICW session and data connection (block1120). For example, as mentioned above, the telecommunications networkmay play an audible announcement to the calling party that “The partyyou are calling has activated Internet Call Waiting and has establisheda data connection. Press 1 if you have an authorization code tointerrupt or disconnect the Internet Call Waiting session and dataconnection. . . .” Thereafter, the telecommunications network receivesan authorization code that accesses Caller Control of ICW Services(block 1130), verifies the authorization code (block 1140), and enablesCaller Control of ICW Services (if a valid authorization code) andretrieves an applicable Caller Control of ICW Services Profile that isassociated with fields and/or files for caller control (block 1150). Thecalling party or the Caller Control of ICW Services Profile may thenactivate (1) cancellation/disconnection (block 1200 of FIG. 12) or (2)interruption/suspension (block 1300 of FIG. 13).

[0053] The method continues with FIG. 12. If cancellation/disconnectionis selected, the telecommunications network determines whether anotification message should be sent to the communications device (block1210). If no notification message is to be sent, then thetelecommunications network cancels the ICW session and data connection(block 1220) and connects the incoming call to the called telephonenumber (block 1230). If the telecommunications network determines thatthe notification message should be sent, then a computer systemapplication (e.g., ICW Management Module as shown as reference numeral110 in FIGS. 1-10) is queried for a dynamic IP address (block 1240), andthe telecommunications network (via telecommunications switch) or thedata network (via gateway) communicates the notification message to thecommunications device via the IP address (block 1250). The notificationmessage is played by the communications device to alert the called partyof the incoming call (not shown), and, thereafter, thetelecommunications network determines whether the customer or usershould authorize caller control of the ICW session and data connection(block 1260). If so, then the telecommunications network or data networkprompts for and receives an authorization response (block 1270),disables ICW and data connection (block 1220), and connects the incomingcall to the called telephone number (block 1230). If not, then thetelecommunications network disables ICW and data connection (block 1220)and connects the incoming call to the called telephone number (block1230).

[0054]FIG. 13 illustrates interruption/suspension. Ifinterruption/suspension is selected, the telecommunications networkqueries the computer system software (e.g., ICW Management Modulereference numeral 110 as shown in FIGS. 1-10) for a dynamic IP address(block 1310) and determines whether a notification message should besent to the communications device (block 1320). If no notificationmessage is to be sent, then the telecommunications networkinterrupts/suspends the ICW session and data connection to connect theincoming call via the IP address (block 1360). If the telecommunicationsnetwork determines that the notification message should be sent, thenthe telecommunications network (via telecommunications switch) or thedata network (via gateway) communicates the notification message to thecommunications device via the IP address (block 1340). The notificationmessage is played by the communications device to alert the customer oruser of an incoming call (not shown), and, thereafter, thetelecommunications network determines whether the customer or usershould authorize caller control of the ICW session and data connection(block 1340). If so, then the telecommunications network or data networkprompts for and receives an authorization response (block 1350) andconnects the incoming call to the communications device via IP address(block 1360). If not, then the telecommunications network or datanetwork connects the incoming call to the communications device withoutprompting for authorization (block 1360).

[0055] While the processes in FIGS. 11-13 are shown in series, theseprocesses may occur in different orders and/or at simultaneous times asone of ordinary skill in the art will understand. Further, while thedisclosed system and methods indicate that the notification announcementis generated by the telecommunications system and sent directly to thecomputer system 100 to be played, a data message (not shown) may also besent to the computer system 100 to associate with locally stored datafields and/or files linked with the Caller Control of ICW ServicesProfile.

[0056] Several exemplary implementations of various embodiments of thisinvention are described herein; however, various modifications andalternate embodiments will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art.For example, the ICW Management Module 110 discussed above may bephysically embodied on or in a computer-readable medium, such as aCD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, andlarge-capacity disk (such as IOMEGA®, ZIP®, JAZZ®, and otherlarge-capacity memory products). This computer-readable medium, ormedia, could be distributed to end-customers, licensees, and assignees.These types of computer-readable media, and other types not mention herebut considered within the scope of this invention (such as an Internetfile that could be downloaded to the PC), allow the ICW ManagementModule 110 to be easily disseminated. Accordingly, this invention isintended to include those other variations, modifications, and alternateembodiments that adhere to the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising the steps of: receiving anincoming communication in a telecommunications network, the incomingcommunication including an interrupt code to disable a data connectionassociated with a called telephone number; verifying the interrupt codeis valid; and if the interrupt code is valid, disabling the on-linesession.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:routing the incoming communication to the called telephone number. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: sending a disablenotification message to a communications device associated with thecalled telephone number, the interrupt notification message includinginformation associated with the incoming communication.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the step of sending the disable notification messagecomprises sending the disable notification message to an InternetProtocol addressable communications device.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising: querying for an Internet Protocol address of theInternet Protocol communications device.
 6. The method of claim 3, theinformation associated with the incoming communication including atleast one of the following: a name of a calling party associated withthe incoming communication; a telephone number associated with thecalling party; and an alert indicating disabling of the data connection.7. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of: presenting thedisable notification message via the communications device.
 8. Themethod of claim 8, wherein presenting the disable notification messageincludes audibly presenting the disable notification message.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein presenting the disable notification messageincludes visually presenting the disable notification message.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein verifying the interrupt code is validcomprises verifying the interrupt code is valid by accessing a databaseto determine whether the interrupt code corresponds to a caller controlof the data connection services profile associated with the calledtelephone number.
 11. A method, comprising the steps of: receiving anincoming communication in a telecommunications network, the incomingcommunication including an interrupt code to interrupt a data connectionassociated with a called telephone number; verifying the interrupt codeis valid; and if the interrupt code is valid, interrupting the on-linesession.
 12. A method, comprising the steps of: receiving an incomingcommunication in a telecommunications network, the incomingcommunication including an Internet Call Waiting interrupt code tointerrupt an Internet Call Waiting session associated with a dataconnection of a called telephone number; verifying the Internet CallWaiting interrupt code is valid by accessing a database to determinewhether the Internet Call Waiting interrupt code corresponds to a callercontrol of Internet Call Waiting services profile; and if the InternetCall Waiting interrupt code is valid, interrupting the Internet CallWaiting session.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: routingthe incoming communication to the called telephone number.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: sending an interruptnotification message to a communications device associated with thecalled telephone number, the interrupt notification message includinginformation associated with the incoming communication.
 15. The methodof claim 14, the communications device comprising an Internet Protocoladdressable communications device.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: querying for an Internet Protocol address of the InternetProtocol communications device.
 17. The method of claim 14, theinformation associated with the incoming communication includinginformation on at least one of the following: a name of a calling partyassociated with the incoming communication; a telephone numberassociated with the calling party; and an alert indicating disabling ofthe data connection.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising:presenting the interrupt notification message via the communicationsdevice.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein presenting the interruptnotification message includes audibly presenting the interruptnotification message.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein presenting theinterrupt notification message includes visually presenting theinterrupt notification message.
 21. The method of claim 12, whereininterrupting the on-line session further includes disabling the dataconnection and routing the incoming communication via thetelecommunications network.
 22. A system, comprising: a database ofcaller control of Internet Call Waiting services profiles for anincoming communication to a communications device having an InternetProtocol address associated with a called telephone number; a server forselecting a caller control of Internet Call Waiting services profileassociated with the called telephone number; and a telecommunicationsswitch, the telecommunications switch establishing a telephonyconnection to a called telephone number, the telecommunications switchengaged in an active on-line session of a data connection associatedwith the called telephone number.
 23. The system of claim 23, thetelecommunications switch further communicating an interruptnotification message to the communications device.
 24. The system ofclaim 23, the telecommunications switch further communicating a disablenotification message to the communications device.
 25. The system ofclaim 23, the telecommunications switch further capable of disabling thedata connection and routing the incoming call to the called telephonenumber.
 26. The system of claim 32, the telecommunications switchfurther capable of preventing the called telephone number fromimmediately re-establishing a second data connection.
 27. A system,comprising: a first telecommunications switch connected to a firstcommunications device having an Internet Protocol address associatedwith a called telephone number in a telecommunications network; a secondtelecommunications switch connected to a second communications devicehaving a telephone number; and a telecommunications network connectingthe first switch to the second switch, the telecommunications networkaccessing caller control of on-line session profiles and processing thecaller control of on-line session profiles to disable a data connectionto the first communications device and to communicate an incoming callto the called telephone number.
 28. The system of claim 27, thetelecommunications network further operable to communicate a disablenotification message to the first communications device via the dataconnection, the disable notification message including informationassociated with the incoming call.
 29. A system, comprising: atelecommunications switch processing an incoming call from a callingtelephone number to a called telephone number, the telecommunicationsswitch connected to a communications device having an Internet Protocoladdress associated with the called telephone number in atelecommunications network; and the telecommunications network accessingcaller control of Internet Call Waiting services profiles and processingthe caller control of Internet Call Waiting services profiles tointerrupt a data connection to the communications device and tocommunicate the incoming call to the called telephone number.
 30. Amethod for interrupting a data connection of a called telephone numberfor which Internet Call Waiting is enabled, comprising the steps of:detecting an incoming communication to a telecommunications network, theincoming communication including an authorization code to interrupt thedata connection; processing the authorization code to select a callercontrol of Internet Call Waiting services profile, the caller control ofInternet Call Waiting services profile associated with the calledtelephone number; comparing the authorization code with data in anauthorized code database; and interrupting the data connection of thecalled telephone number.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprisingthe step of: routing the incoming call to the called telephone numbervia an Internet Protocol address associated with the called telephonenumber.